Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia

The Wet Tropics of Queensland is an area of tropical rainforest on the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia. Stretching a distance of 450 km, it is a habitat for many rare and endangered animals and plants. The Wet Tropics of Queensland became a UNESCO World Heritage Site during the 12th session of the World Heritage Committee, which met in Brasilia, Brazil, on 5-9 December, 1988.

The Wet Tropics include several national parks including Barron Gorge National Park, Black Mountain (Kalkajaka) National Park, Cedar Bay National Park, Daintree National Park, Girringun National Park, and Wooroonooran National Park. It also includes over 700 protected areas, some on privately-owned properties.

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

What to See in Wet Tropics of Queensland

The Wet Tropics is home to 390 rare plant species, including 74 species on the endangered list. 85 species of plants are endemic to the area. There are 13 different types of rainforest here, and 29 species of mangrove trees, more than anywhere else in Australia.

Location

The Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Site stretches from Townsville to Cooktown, following the coastline alongside the Great Barrier Reef.

Location Map

Visiting the Wet Tropics

You base for visiting the Wet Tropics of Queensland is the town of Townsville. From here, you can engage tour packages to take you to each of the national parks, and work your way northwards, to Cairns and Cooktown. Self-drive is also possible by renting a car here. You can get accommodation from this list of hotels in Townsville with online booking facility. Here's also list of hotels in Cairns.

Getting there

The Townsville Airport has regular flights from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Blue are three airlines plying the main routes. Macair provides air linkage between Townsville and Mount Isa and Brisbane.